I will raise $10,000 in 4 weeks so that my buddy can get his transplant.

Thats a big statement, huh?  Since my original post on Thursday afternoon, followed by my sister’s response on Thursday night, we have all just run with it.  A PayPal account has been set up because we had readers chomping at the bit to give, to help a friend, whether they had even met Chris or not.  Its an amazing feeling to see people rally and so eager to give in support of a person they may not even know.  Yesterday was a day that restored my faith in the goodwill of the world.

In response to those posts we got Paypal and a simple website set up to tell Chris’ story.  It blew my mind that by 9pm the needle on the thermometer was already moving.  $552 dollars and close to 300 views on the website and we had only released the website at 5pm.  Lia worked her ass off all day on the site and the final product couldn’t have been any better.

Upon returning home from work, I was again greeted with another little piece of goodwill.  There was a card in the day’s mail hand addressed to me.  The card, heavier than normal, had a return address I recognized.  Inside was not only a note that put tears in my eyes, but a Christmas ornament that I will cherish forever.  My Uncle Bruce passed away a couple years ago to cancer and in his memory I held a birthday party this past December in the efforts to have my friends join the National Bone Marrow Registry.  My Uncle Bruce received a bone marrow transplant during his battle, but it was not enough and unfortunately he is no longer with us, but his spirit lives in my heart.  I invited his wife Nancy to attend the drive along with his daughters, all of whom I had not seen since his funeral.  This card was a note from Nancy thanking me for remembering Bruce and honoring his memory. It was a simple note saying that Bruce loved trains and with the purchase of this train ornament there was a tree planted in his honor.  It overwhelmed my heart.

My day didn’t stop here though.  I spent the entire evening at a fabulous event  supporting the great work of Big Brothers & Big Sisters.  Sunset Lanes was filled with volunteers, donors, supporters, Bigs, Littles and everyone in between, bowling to raise money to  ensure the good work of a great organization.  To see the Littles who are lucky to benefit from these programs and the Bigs who give their time to those kids that need it most.  The energy and enthusiasm in that bowling alley was contagious. Although not contagious enough to make me a good bowler.  I am pretty sure I bowled more gutter balls then any other human being at the event.  Talk about impressive.

A day full of great people and goodwill is a powerful thing.  While people thanked me for all of the great work I do I really had to stop and think.  I wish I could tell people over and over I don’t do it for the recognition or for the thanks. I do what I do everyday because its easy and its not something I have to think about.  If my parents taught me anything, it was that at the end of the day we are all the same and if you have the ability to help you have no reason not to.  I love the people in the life and I am thankful I have the opportunity to give back.  I hope you have the opportunity to, as well

Happy rainy Saturday